Could Steven Gerrard return to Liverpool in November?

Sky Sports are reporting that Steven Gerrard could make a Premier League return as soon as November. Could he return to his boyhood team?

Liverpool was forced to release Steven Gerrard at the end of the 2014/15 season when the legend’s contract expired after negotiations between club and player were unsuccessful in tying the Englishman down.

Gerrard moved to La Galaxy and he has since plied his trade in the MLS.

According to Sky Sports, the Scouser is ready to return to the Premier League, but whether or not a reunion with his boyhood team is on the cards is still uncertain.

Speaking to Liverpool-based radio station Radio City Talk, Gerrard, said, “I’m wondering whether I should play on for a little bit longer or whether I should call it a day. I haven’t 100 per cent decided on that yet.

“I still enjoy playing. I still love coming into training, I still love competing, so if I can carry on and there are opportunities to stay here, or go somewhere else for another six months or 12 months, then I’ll consider it.

“I’m going to be a long-time retired and so I still want to enjoy things while I’m still feeling good.

There are a few issues that would arise in the hypothetical return of Steven Gerrard.

One would be his inability to press in a system like Jurgen Klopp’s high pressing machine. His legs have been fading for years and it was in the 2013/14 season that Brendan Rodgers converted the marauding midfielder to a deep-lying playmaker where his long-range passing was put to good use.

Klopp could make use of similar tactics to great effect but I seriously can’t see Gerrard replacing Henderson, Lallana or Wijnaldum at present.

Another issue would be the captaincy.

If Gerrard were to make a return to Liverpool, many people would seem him as the default captain. Henderson, however, has shown, in the opening weeks of the 2016/17 season, that he is more than ready to carry the burden of being Liverpool’s leader.

While it is never a bad thing to have leadership and experience in the side, Gerrard’s presence could undermine Henderson’s claim to the captaincy.

While I can’t see Gerrard fitting into Liverpool’s current tactical system, Klopp is a brilliant manager and has shown in his handling of James Milner, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren that he has a skill for bringing the best out of players.

It must be said that these players are all suited to the style of play that Liverpool employs, but then again, how can you say no to signing Steven Gerrard?

Gerrard deserves another shot at the Premier League title, especially after the heartbreak of the 2013/14 season. This season, Liverpool looks primed to make a challenge on the league title and maybe Gerrard returning would give the Reds that extra boost needed.

Mike is a hugely passionate Liverpool supporter. Being an experienced writer, Mike founded Rousing the Kop back in January 2015. The growth has been tremendous for Mike, with Rousing The Kop being nominated as 'Best New Football Blog' in the Football Blogging Awards.